Regions Hospital reports $49 million in community benefit in 2011

Regions Hospital reported $49 million in community benefit in 2011. Regions calculates community benefit by using standards set by the Catholic Health Association and used by the Internal Revenue Service for nonprofit hospitals filing Form 990. In order to qualify as a community benefit, investments must achieve goals including expanding access to care, protecting public health and safety, building healthy communities or advancing medical knowledge.    

Charity care for 43,000 patients
Regions' largest community benefit contribution in 2011 was providing medical care for patients who did not have insurance or who could not afford to pay for their care. Regions is the second largest provider of charity care in the state, contributing $13 million to provide medical services to more than 43,000 patients. In addition, Regions wrote-off another $3 million to provide medical services for patients who could not afford to pay for their care.

"We're proud that the care we offer ranks among the best in the world. We are equally proud of our roots as a place where we serve everyone in our community and we are privileged to build on that commitment," said Brock Nelson, Regions Hospital president and CEO.

The Regions Hospital Community Benefit Report can be read online at regionshospital.com.

Identifying future community needs
Regions recently completed a community health needs assessment. As a result, Regions top priorities to address future community needs in the East Metro include:

• Increase access to mental health
• Promote positive behaviors to reduce obesity by improving nutrition and exercise
• Increase access to primary and preventive care